The Dutch government has loosened its restrictions shortly after the 2021 NAB Show was cancelled

IBC 2016

IBC 2016

The Dutch government has removed international travel barriers and social distancing rules for fully vaccinated travellers.

This is a victory for the IBC, with it making large-scale trade shows at The RAI in Amsterdam more possible ahead of its planned convention from 3-6 December. Ahead of IBC, The RAI’s international calendar begins with the delayed Money20/20 on 22 September, followed by iGB Live! and a number of other shows.

This comes just days after the 2021 NAB Show, due to be held in Las Vegas next month, was cancelled.

From 22 September, fully vaccinated international visitors from very high-risk areas will no longer have to quarantine on arrival in the Netherlands. In addition, from 25 September the Netherlands will no longer enforce social distancing rules of 1.5 metres apart or mandate mask wearing in inside areas.

Instead, people will have to use coronavirus access passes, which prove vaccination, recovery from Covid, or a negative Covid test within 24 hours of use.

IBC believes these relaxations mean that the event will be accessible to almost 100% of its usual attendees. Exhibition protocols have been updated on its website to reflect the latest changes.

IBC CEO Michael Crimp said: “It’s time to get excited about coming together again. We have been anticipating this announcement from the Dutch Government for a while, and the whole IBC team is buzzing at the opportunities the relaxing of these COVID-19 measures will bring. That is not to say we can relax our guard – we continue to be fully focused on delivering a safe and valuable experience. But with these new measures, we can stage an event as close to ‘business as usual’ as we could hope for in the current environment.

“We’ve had lots of really positive responses from our exhibitors and the industry to this news. With over 650 exhibitors confirmed, we are busy finalising an action-packed programme of features and free content; all of which will make IBC2021 an event not to miss. Registration is open and we are seeing that hotel and flight bookings are on the up. Now is the time to get your trip arranged. Let’s get together again – I cannot wait to see everyone in Amsterdam in December.”